thePULSE
By Erika Schmitt
Ben Mack, the owner of Dark World Tattoo on Grafton Street in Worcester, along with a few close friends, wanted to showcase artists in a venue that had a relaxed atmosphere as opposed to the stereotypical staleness of generic art museums. Walking into Dark World Tattoo, you notice it’s got the vibe of your typical tattoo parlor, except these tattoo artists have no flash art hanging from their walls ~ it is all about custom tattoo work here. The tattoo artists working at Dark World Tattoo shop are super welcoming and the lobby is full of eccentric forms of art; walk a little farther past the reception desk and the massive wall space is adorned with the fluid work of artist Sara Adrian’s oil on wood.
Incorporating a gallery into his already established tattoo parlor (that had previously resided across the street) had been a dream of Ben Mack’s for quite some time. “There’s just always been a stuffy feel that has deterred me from wanting to frequent formal museums. It’s always the same type of people, and they all have known each other forever.” Not the case at Dark World. The museum is open throughout the day, encouraging any passerby on Grafton Street, or a customer just there to inquire about getting some skin art, to stroll on into the gallery and take a look around. The museum has two curators: Jon Hansen, an elementary school art teacher during the day, and Don Hartman, a local artist. They have both showcased their work at different venues throughout the city, including the infamous Ship Room in the back of Hotel Vernon (a nautical themed art show, perfectly fitting).
When Dark World Tattoo moved across the street to their new location, they found the wall space they were looking for and decided now was the time to incorporate their own gallery into the tattoo parlor. When the museum was just starting a few months ago, the guys put out a “call to artists” (via craigslist and Myspace) to see what types of artists they could entice to showcase their work at the gallery. By February, the entire year had been booked. The first month showcased curator Jon Hansen’s Asylum Series, based the artist’s views on patient care in state hospitals, and incorporating actual medical equipment through mixed media paintings. The tattoo artists working at Dark World have also showcased their talents in the gallery.
The objective of the guys at Dark World Gallery is to showcase the talents of different artists in a unique venue that they hope will continue to attract an eclectic enough crowd so that the eyes of an otherwise “blind” audience will be opened to the possibilities of a different definition of beauty, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the idea that not all art need be stuffy and unapproachable.
“The gallery is actually piquing the interests of kids who would otherwise never even think to really look at art,” Ben shares while swiveling in his comfy-looking desk chair. The tattoo world and the art world colliding together form such a creative venue and it makes perfect sense to intertwine the two under one roof. People nowadays don’t really realize what you can do with tattoos. It’s not just Sailor Jerry style anymore; you can really transport a masterpiece from a sketchpad and use skin as a medium.”
Dark World Gallery is located at 179 Grafton Street. They have an impressive list of upcoming shows ~ from masks made out of leather to painting on skateboards (proceeds will help to support the Stone Soup in Worcester). You can get in touch with the guys at Dark World through their website, darkworldgallery.com, and you should definitely check out what they’re doing to help bring even more culture to the great city of Worcester.
Great tattoo shop and gallery… such a good addition to the Worcester Community!
Erika,
This is absolutely fantastic. Your writing is so incredible, but you make such a good point about how tattoo is a form of art. I think when most people think of tattoos, it is like you said, you picture
the tattoo that makes you think of that tattoo that you mostly see, like you say, sailor type, etc.. and I know what you mean. I would always see a guy, and immediately form an opinion,like he has to ride a motorcycle, or belongs to a gang,etc…. I mean this for a man, I have to admit that yours is incredible art, I don’t see any thing wrong with it, I guess I am just being a mom, because I never pictured you with a tattoo. It is art, and I think I just had to get used to it. Like you said, skin is just another medium.
The work he does is incredible. I did not know where to find your article, and there it was,,I clicked on “Culture” and it appeared. Do I know my daughter? You mentioned something briefly about what you were writing about, but I just knew it was going to be something that would be cultural. Erika, I think you will also open many eyes with this article. you are an incredible writer, it really made me think. I know this will be just the start of many articles to come.
I am so proud to say Erika Schmitt is my daughter!!!!!
Very interesting article; very well written. Very descriptive presentation that piques interest. The museum seems definitely unique and sure to bring in a lot of visitors. Looking forward to more editorials from this writer.